III. Core principles

The twelve articles of the Guidelines for Drug Donations are
based on four core principles. The first and paramount principle is that a drug
donation should benefit the recipient to the maximum extent possible. This
implies that all donations should be based on an expressed need and that
unsolicited drug donations are to be discouraged. The second principle is that a
donation should be made with full respect for the wishes and authority of the
recipient, and be supportive of existing government health policies and
administrative arrangements. The third principle is that there should be no
double standards in quality: if the quality of an item is unacceptable in the
donor country, it is also unacceptable as a donation. The fourth principle is
that there should be effective communication between the donor and the
recipient: donations should be based on an expressed need and should not be sent
unannounced.

Core principles for a donation

1. Maximum benefit to the recipient2. Respect for wishes and
authority of the recipient3. No double standards in quality4. Effective
communication between donor and recipient